WILD DUCK 299 



a seemingly inexplicable manner, and yet the cause was 

 not very far to seek, for eventually several large pike 

 were taken out of it. The only way to catch these 

 fish in a pond is with a rod and float. 



Now, a word as to the best kind of dog to use for 

 wild-duck shooting. An ordinary retriever, if she takes 

 kindly to the water, is as good as could be desired, but 

 this species of the canine tribe require most careful 

 teaching. Nothing is more annoying than for a retriever 

 to take the duck to the opposite bank of the river, drop 

 it, and, on being called, swim back without it ; yet I 

 have seen them do it often. A day spent in the early 

 part of the season by the river bank, shooting an 

 occasional flapper, is excellent for teaching the young 

 and inexperienced retriever ; the water is warm, and 

 the bird is not so likely to dive just as the dog reaches 

 it. But on no account should a dog be made to take 

 to the water by being thrown into it. Nothing gives 

 them a keener or more lasting distaste for the business. 

 He should also be prevented from getting into the habit 

 of dropping his duck on reaching the bank for the 

 purpose of shaking himself, as he may leave the bird 

 in some inaccessible spot ; he should, on the contrary, 

 be trained to bring the bird up to his master's hand. 

 The Newfoundland and water-spaniel are really the 

 best dogs for this work, the former being a very strong 

 swimmer. The latter requires to be taught to take no 

 notice of water-rats, as these infest the river banks, 

 and this species is very much inclined to hunt them. 



